Coming Soon To Sno-Isle Libraries: Polaris

Did you know that Sno-Isle Libraries contain more than a million books, movies and cds available for check-out? Have you ever experienced difficulty in using the library's clunky old online catalog? It is, after all, 20 years old - practically an antique in the world of technology. Well, there is good news: better access is coming soon! Sno-Isle Libraries ILS (Integrated Library System) will upgrade to Polaris within the next few weeks. Here are some of the improvements you'll experience:

• You'll save time and get better search results with improved searching ability and ease-of-use (just try searching for It by Stephen King in the old system if you want an exercise in frustration).
• You'll have more control over holds and a more powerful library experience, with features similar to those expected from sites like Netflix, Google and Amazon. For example, you'll be able to put your holds "on hold" while you are out of town and not miss them when they come in.
• You'll also be able to keep a wishlist of things you want to read, view or listen to but are not quite ready for. Not only that, but you will have the option of keeping a running list of all the items you've checked out, and to edit the list at any time using your own password.

In short, you will receive more for your tax dollars and more personal service. This is a smart investment and smart spending for the library and the community. Polaris leaves our old system in the dust when it comes to efficiency of work processes. The upgrade to Polaris allows the Library to remain a relevant, valuable community resource in the 21st century.

The Denver Public Library went live with Polaris on Thursday, Feb. 3. If you visit their website, you'll find a nice list of Polaris features, many of the same things that will be available to Sno-Isle Libraries customers. We are most grateful to Denver Public Library for going ahead of us by a few weeks; we will benefit from their experience, particularly in our work to migrate data from our old system to the new one.
Mary